Andrew Marr to leave BBC as he pledges to ‘get voice back’ on new LBC show
BBC stalwart Andrew Marr has announced he is leaving the organisation to present new programmes on LBC and Classic FM “with no filter”.
After hosting the corporation’s flagship political show, The Andrew Marr Show, for 16 years, Marr is set to head a new opinion-led LBC radio show.
The deal with Global will also see Marr lead a new show on Classic FM, where he will interview guests on the classical music radio show.
Andrew Marr said: “Coming to Global gives me a new freedom – to do fast-paced, very regular political journalism on LBC with no filter, in entirely my own voice. On Classic FM, I’ll be exploring my love of classical music, and culture generally, with some surprising guests. I feel I’m joining a young, hungrily ambitious and exciting company and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
In a series of tweets, Marr said he was “keen to get my own voice back” and would also write for newspapers.
The veteran broadcaster will take up his new roles next year.
Marr tweeted: “After 21 years, I have decided to move on from the BBC.l leave behind many happy memories and wonderful colleagues. But from the New Year I am moving to Global to write and present political and cultural shows, and to write for newspapers.”
He added: “I have been doing the Andrew Marr show every Sunday morning for 16 years now and that is probably more than enough time for anybody!”
The journalist will also present a new weekly podcast for Global and will write a regular column for LBC’s website.
Ashley Tabor-King OBE, founder and executive president of Global, said: “Andrew is one of the finest and most respected broadcasters and journalists of our time and we are honored to welcome him to the Global family, especially at a moment when we are celebrating record audience figures.